St. Patrick's Day

St. Patrick’s Day is just around the corner and I am eagerly awaiting the 52nd annual St. Patrick’s Parade in Baltimore! The parade (the largest one in Maryland) begins at 2:00pm on Sunday, March 16th. This parade attracts tens of thousands of spectators and offers free entertainment for all ages. It even passes through President Street, which is conveniently located just outside of the Pier 5 Hotel. I recommend spending the afternoon at James Joyce Pub watching the parade, listening to live Irish music and drinking green beer. Since James Joyce is only a short walk from the Pier 5 Hotel it is easy to join the festivities without the hassle of driving. If you have any other questions about the St. Patrick’s Day Parade or how to make reservations, please do not hesitate to contact me!

February, A Month Long Celebration of Love

February is almost here! I became the Experience Specialist at the Pier 5 Hotel last February, and it seems impossible that it is almost Valentine’s Day. Where did the year go! I now officially consider myself an expert on how to make Valentine’s Day this year one that will go down in romantic history.

This February at the Pier 5 Hotel and our other two Harbor Magic Hotels, the Brookshire Suites and Admiral Fell Inn, we are celebrating February, A Month Long Celebration of Love. When planning your stay with us, you should start with the Godiva Getaway, an overnight package that includes breakfast for two, upgrade to a King Room, a box of Godiva’s Gold Ballotin chocolates, exclusive ‘Bittersweet Love Songs’ CD in a decorative tin, Romantics Guide to the Area’s Top 10 Sweet Spots, and a late check-out the next day. From here, I say you choose a rose petal turndown for your room. I can put the rose petals in the shape of a heart on your bed, or however you would like them. You may also want to add chocolate-covered strawberries, champagne, and if you want to make it extra special, an in-room couples massage. Finally, my last suggestion, make it a surprise!

I know this all sounds perfect and almost too good to be true. But it’s not! When you book a package with us, I will call you before your arrival and tell you about these special extras and other ideas I have. I hope to see you in February!

Baltimore Restaurant Week

Hello everyone! I want to let you know that January 28th through February 3rd is Baltimore Restaurant Week! This means that over 75 restaurants citywide offer the amazing special of a three-course dinner for $30.08 a person. Some even offer three-course lunches for $20.08. To learn more visit www.BaltimoreRestaurantWeek.com or call me for a reservation at 410-649-5331. Hope to see you soon!

MAC Wellness

HAPPY NEW YEAR! I hope you enjoyed the holiday season, I know I did! With every New Year come new resolutions. The most popular? Hitting the gym to get in shape and shed that extra holiday weight, put on from cookies and eggnog! Lucky for you, Harbor Magic Hotels has a new partnership with MAC Wellness (Maryland Athletic Club). This brand new state-of-the-art facility is located in Harbor East, just steps from the Pier 5 Hotel.

As a guest at any three of our hotels, you will receive a one-day guest pass to MAC Wellness for each day you stay. It really is a fantastic place – weight rooms, pools, over 60 cardio stations, exercise classes, squash courts, and so much more! If you are interested in the classes they offer, such as spinning, pilates, etc., please e-mail me or see me at the Pier 5 Hotel and I will let you know the most updated class schedule. To find out more about the facility, visit their website at www.macwellness.com, and be sure to click on the Harbor East location.

So, start the New Year off right - stay with us and experience the new MAC Wellness. It will help you stick to that resolution - and remember, summer is right around the corner!

New Year's Eve Cruise

I cannot believe that winter is here! It seems like only yesterday I was telling you all about the craziness of summers in Baltimore. However, I am definitely looking forward to the holiday season that is quickly approaching.

This year Harbor Magic Hotels are offering a variety of packages to take the hassle out of planning New Years Eve for you. My favorite is our “New Year’s Eve Cruise Package.” This is a pre-planned full night of entertainment all in one. This package includes a three-hour cruise aboard the 96-foot Lady Pintail premier luxury yacht. The yacht is conveniently docked right next the Pier 5 Hotel. Here you will be able to marvel at the magnificent panoramic view of the water and city skyline while dancing the night away as the DJ plays your favorite songs. Also included on the boat is beer, wine, soda, hors d’oeuvres, party favors and a champagne toast at midnight. Top shelf liquors are also available for an additional fee. Believe it or not, the fun does not end there! In your guest room a bottle of chilled champagne, party favors and breakfast vouchers for the following morning await you. But don’t feel the need to have to wake-up too early because this package also comes with a special 2:00pm late checkout, perfect for those of us who may have stayed out a little late celebrating the New Year.

This package includes everything you possibly need to make the last day of 2007 and the first day of 2008 a memorable and unique occasion. So this year consider watching the fireworks in style upon a luxury yacht while cruising along Baltimore’s famous Inner Harbor.

New 4D Theater at the National Aquarium in Baltimore

Hello from the Pier 5 Hotel! I have to tell you about the most recent addition to the National Aquarium in Baltimore. The already amazing facility recently opened a 4D Theater. What this means is, in addition to the 3D picture, the movies now offer extra elements like wind, water, smell and moving seats. I saw the first performance, The Polar Express, showing now through January 6, 2008. It was a 15-minute clip of the feature film starring Tom Hanks. It was really great – but I won’t tell you any more about the experience during the show so I don’t ruin any surprises! But I will tell you that the number of surprises blew me away!

If you are interested in seeing the movie we offer a special holiday package with the National Aquarium’s new 4D Theater. It includes VIP Aquarium tickets, the dolphin show, and of course the 4D Theater! I highly, highly, HIGHLY recommend visiting the National Aquarium to see this exciting and new addition to their already spectacular attraction. I promise you will not be disappointed. If you have any other questions feel free to email me!

What's New and Cool in Baltimore!

Hello again! I am back to let you know what’s new and cool in Baltimore. Last weekend I went to a Red Carpet Event at the Holland Tack Factory at Inner Harbor East (just about a five to seven minute walk from the Pier 5 Hotel, located at the corner of Bank Street and S. Central). At the Holland Tack Factory, a group of chic businesses have taken an old factory and recreated it into a modern masterpiece.
The retailers include: Lemongrass (Thai Cuisine), Tsunami (PanAsian and Sushi), Piedigrotta (Tiramisu), Mustang Alley’s Bar Bowling, a high-end duckpin bowling alley, The Edge on Central Salon, Skin Beautiful, and Inline private training (yoga, pilates and more!).

I was completely blown away by the modern atmosphere that resembled a New York City Club. The staff was also extremely attentive and professional and I can honestly say that I tasted the best sushi I have ever had in my entire life. I already have plans to dine at Tsunami restaurant followed by duckpin bowling next weekend. I highly, highly recommend spending the evening at Holland Tack Factory during your next stay at The Pier 5 Hotel!

Stay Another Night FREE at Harbor Magic Hotels!

The craziness of the summer season has finally come to an end, but has picked right back up again with the fall season in full swing!

Luckily for you, all three Harbor Magic Hotels are starting the BOGO promotion, or Buy One Get One. You can Stay Another Night FREE at any Harbor Magic Hotel when you book and consume any magical package between November 11, 2007 and February 29, 2008. This means that you can stay the whole weekend on the budget of a single night. This is great for families who need a small break from the stress of a new school year or couples who just want to get away.

I recommend the Ultimate Inner Harbor Package for families, because it includes enough attractions to take up the entire weekend. This package comes with a Harbor Pass that grants you admission to the National Aquarium in Baltimore, Maryland Science Center, Port Discovery Children’s Museum, Top of the World Observation Level, and Ed Kane’s Water Taxi. The package also includes ESPN Zone game cards and breakfast at the hotel. It definitely guarantees an action packed weekend without all the planning.

For couples I suggest our Godiva Getaway Package. This includes a special 19- piece box of Godiva’s Gold Ballotin chocolates, a Romantic’s Guide to the Area’s Top 10 Sweet Spots, exclusive ‘Bittersweet Love Songs’ CD in a decorative tin, breakfast in the morning and a late check-out! My favorite part is the late checkout. There is nothing more satisfying than getting to sleep extra late when you’re out of town!

In addition, every package guest gets a personal call from me to help them customize their stay in Baltimore. So, start thinking about your next trip to Charm City and remember to book between November 11th and February 29th for our Stay Another Night FREE promotion. See you soon!